Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the effect of a gluteal
activation warm-up on the performance of an explosive
exercise (the high hang pull (HHP)).
Methods Seventeen professional rugby union players
performed one set of three HHPs (with 80% of their
one repetition maximum load) following both a control
and activation warm-up. Peak electrical activity of the
gluteus maximus and medius was quantified using
electromyography (EMG). In addition, the kinematics
and kinetics of nine players was also recorded using
force plate and motion capture technology. These data
were analysed using a previously described
musculoskeletal model of the right lower limb in order
to provide estimates of the muscular force expressed
during the movement.
Results The mean peak EMG activity of the gluteus
maximus was significantly lower following the
activation warm-up as compared with the control
(p<0.05, effect size d=0.30). There were no significant
differences in the mean peak estimated forces in
gluteus maximus and medius, the quadriceps or
hamstrings (p=0.053), although there was a trend
towards increased force in gluteus maximus and
hamstrings following the activation warm-up. There
were no differences between the ground reaction
forces following the two warm-ups.
Conclusion This study suggests that a gluteal
activation warm-up may facilitate recruitment of the
gluteal musculature by potentiating the glutes in such
a way that a smaller neural drive evokes the same or
greater force production during movement. This could
in turn potentially improve movement quality.